West and Central Africa: Latest Events at a glance (24 February - 2 March 2026)

Niger

US$5 Million CERF Rapid Response to escalating displacement crisis

A US$5 million allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has been approved by Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher to address conflict-induced displacement in Niger’s Tillabéri and Maradi regions. Since October 2025, escalating violence by non-state armed groups has displaced more than 85,000 people in Tillabéri alone, contributing to over 350,000 forcibly displaced persons across the region. Recurrent attacks, abductions and forced movements have sharply worsened protection risks and strained already limited basic services. Recent assessments identify WASH, Shelter, Health, Protection and Nutrition as urgent priorities, amid rising acute malnutrition and a deteriorating nutrition crisis in parts of Maradi and Tillabéri. The CERF allocation will deliver lifesaving assistance to more than 171,000 people, supporting government efforts. Response activities will be led by UNICEF, WHO, UNHCR and IOM, alongside partners.

Central African Republic

Fires destroy over 200 shelters in Ouham Fafa

Two fires on 27–28 February in Ouham Fafa prefecture, northwest Central African Republic, destroyed more than 200 shelters and left hundreds in urgent need. On 27 February, over 110 houses burned in Bezanga and Ndoubamoudou villages, destroying food stocks, granaries and essential items. The next day, a fire at the La Paix IDP site in Sido injured two people and destroyed around 130 shelters, leaving more than 800 internally displaced persons without shelter. Affected families are temporarily sheltering at the Sido sub-prefectural school. OCHA is coordinating with authorities and partners to assess needs and support the response.

Cameroon

Extreme heat warning in Far North region

On 12 February, Cameroon’s National Observatory on Climate Change (ONACC) warned of intensifying dry season conditions in the Far North region, with temperatures forecast to reach 40–46°C in Logone et Chari, Mayo-Sava, Mayo-Danay and Diamaré. Rising dust levels and persistent night-time heat could trigger localized heatwaves, heightening risks of water scarcity, pasture degradation, crop stress and livestock health problems. Authorities are urging communities to limit sun exposure, manage water carefully and strengthen health awareness. The alert follows record temperatures in MarchApril 2024, the highest since 1981. The Far North continues to face recurrent climate shocks, including floods and drought. The warning also comes ahead of a projected lean season crisis, with 1.2 million people expected to face severe food insecurity (IPC Phase 3+). Over 500,000 people remain internally displaced, and 1.3 million require humanitarian assistance. Despite funding constraints, partners are supporting preparedness and risk mitigation efforts.

Sahel

Cross-border insecurity disrupts pastoral mobility in the Sahel

Pastoralist communities across the Sahel are increasingly affected by insecurity in border areas, including rising cattle theft and the presence of armed groups. The situation has intensified in recent years, restricting traditional transhumance routes and undermining livelihoods. The Executive Secretary of the Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) said insecurity in transboundary zones is significantly limiting pastoral mobility, a cornerstone of resilience in the region. He highlighted the need for coordinated regional approaches to protect herders, secure livestock corridors, and preserve cross-border grazing systems that sustain millions across the Sahel.